Use of a reference tissue and blood vessel to measure the arterial input function in DCEMRI

Accurate measurement of the arterial input function is critical for quantitative evaluation of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging data. Use of the reference tissue method to derive a local arterial input function avoided large errors associated with direct arterial measurements, but relied on literature values for K^trans and v_e. We demonstrate that accurate values of K^trans and v_e in a reference tissue can be measured by comparing contrast media concentration in a reference tissue to plasma concentrations measured directly in a local artery after the 1–2 passes of the contrast media bolus—when plasma concentration is low and can be measured accurately. The values of K^trans and v_e calculated for the reference tissue can then be used to derive a more complete arterial input function including the first pass of the contrast bolus. This new approach was demonstrated using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging data from rodent hind limb. Values obtained for K^trans and v_e in muscle, and the shape and amplitude of the derived arterial input function are consistent with published results. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.